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STMicroelectronics (STM) is sampling a new chip in its Nomadik mobile multimedia applications processor family. The STn8815 adds level-two cache, dedicated on-chip imaging and graphics processors, and security enhancements relative to the earlier STn8810, according to the company.

The device's ARM926EJ processor core includes an MMU (memory management unit), 16 KB of data and instruction caches, and 128 KB of level-2 cache. It delivers 1000 MIPS (million instructions per second) performance when clocked at 334 MHz, according to STM. Based on these resources, the STn8815 can directly run high-level embedded operating systems such as Linux.

STn8815 block diagram(Click image for larger view)

According to STM, the Nomadik's Smart Imaging Accelerator (SIA) operates as a real-time, programmable image-reconstruction engine at up to 80 Mpixels/sec. This allows camera-phones, based on 5 Mpixel sensors, to implement noise reduction, auto-focus and -exposure control, and other fundamental algorithms, without the need for an external imaging co-processor.

The 14 x 14mm BGA (ball-grid-array) package is pin-compatible with the STn8810, and uses the same stacked-chip technology to provide memory variants, including SDRAM and NAND Flash memory, within the same package. In addition, STM says, the device will be available in “package-on-package” versions that offer extra functionality within the same footprint.

Price and Availability

Engineering samples of the STn8815 are available now, with volume production scheduled for the fourth quarter. The chips are expected to be priced under $20 in 10,000 piece quantities, according to the company.